A amusing theory has swept through the gaming community, indicating that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The clumsy, pajama-clad protagonist, known simply as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have discovered strong evidence, including character models explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is named “Nate D.” The theory achieved considerable momentum after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a sister named Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, echoing the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have said nothing on the matter, the evidence has become too compelling for fans to ignore.
The Peculiar Case of Nate and His Ancestry
The most compelling evidence underpinning the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which present a remarkably familiar family portrait. As players progress, players progressively uncover about Nate’s relatives through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is directly called Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the existing Uncharted lore. These represent more than passing resemblances; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake genealogy established across multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too precise to be accidental, prompting fans to suggest that this constitutes either an elaborate Easter egg or a genuine, if unconventional, franchise continuation.
What creates this theory especially compelling is the sheer volume of substantive clues found within Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have uncovered character models directly named with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an mature figure exhibiting notable likeness to an aged version of Uncharted’s protagonist. A dream sequence even identifies the player character as “Nate D,” a clear abbreviation of Drake. Additionally, a secret 30-minute cutscene —unlocked by bypassing alternate cutscenes in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s resurgence. These multifaceted allusions suggest purposeful development selections rather than random coincidence.
- Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in source files
- Sister character named Cassie matches Uncharted 4’s established daughter
- Parents named Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake family
- Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Dataminers Reveal Convincing Evidence
Character Design Disclosures
The most damning evidence supporting the Uncharted theory emerges from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s main character model is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier integrated within the game structure itself. Such direct naming practices generally fulfil functional roles in game development, making this finding particularly significant. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the development studio have permitted such an obvious identifier to stay in the finished product calls into question whether this constitutes an deliberate nod to the player base or something considerably more significant.
Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection considerably. Achievement artwork has been examined by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears marked resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, paired with the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries directly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many reading the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than direct denial of the connection.
- Character model files directly identified “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Achievement artwork depicts older man resembling aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue names protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
- Family member names align precisely with Uncharted 4 canonical lore
- Developers decline to comment on Uncharted connection questions
The Hidden Cutscene That Initiated It All
The whole theory achieved significant momentum following the uncovering of a secret 30-minute cutscene that players could obtain by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that appears wholly in accordance with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than appeasing completionists with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead constructed an lengthy scene where the voice actors and production team fully step out of character. What emerges is a honest, backstage conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering glimpses into the development journey that shaped Baby Steps’ distinctive character.
Within this substantial passage lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into absolute overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed discussion, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would echo across the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, made with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might represent something substantially greater than a independent standalone title. The developers’ subsequent unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only intensified the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was genuine nostalgia or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s actual nature.
Developer Insights Spiralled Out of Control
The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence prompts core inquiries about developer intent and creative expression within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden Uncharted instalment, the developers may have cleverly embedded these references and commentary as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of communicating their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst functioning under the pretence of an completely distinct project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on everything concerning these discoveries suggests either strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to confirm or deny the link has converted conjecture into a cultural phenomenon.
What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps truly represents a covert Uncharted project, it could indicate a significant shift in how leading studios approach dormant franchises. Rather than launching a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have chosen a more experimental, unconventional approach—weaving the plot development within an indie title developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would permit the studio to gauge reception with fresh creative ideas whilst upholding credible denial about the series’ resurgence. The performance of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could possibly justify a larger Uncharted reveal in the future.
The Uncharted franchise has remained notably absent from PlayStation’s major releases since 2017, with only side projects and tie-ins filling the void. Fans have grown increasingly vocal about their desire for a proper sequel, and the uncovering of these subtle links has rekindled discussion about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or a carefully crafted jest, it shows that the hunger for new Uncharted content remains strong within the player base. Sony’s silence on the matter is notably significant, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building or an acknowledgement that something significant may indeed be brewing behind the scenes.
| Franchise | Last Release |
|---|---|
| Uncharted | Lost Legacy (2017) |
| The Last of Us | Part II (2020) |
| God of War | Ragnarök (2023) |
| Ghost of Tsushima | Director’s Cut (2021) |
Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly represents a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited discussion around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s drive to unearth hidden lore demonstrates the passionate fanbase that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on this momentum with a genuine revival remains uncertain, but the wave of engagement indicates the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.
